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Framework · About an hour to adapt

The Five-Phase Framework — a working template

Discover, Design, Build, Deliver, Measure. The version I use on actual engagements, with the questions I refuse to skip at each gate.

Methodology Project kickoff Action mapping

What this is

The cut of the framework I actually use on retail, customer service, and manufacturing engagements — the public-facing version of the methodology that runs through every case study on this site. It’s a blend of action mapping, ADDIE’s discipline, and the habits I’ve built running small L&D functions where one person owns the whole loop.

What’s inside

  • Discover — the sponsor questions I won’t start without, plus the SME action-mapping script I walk into every kickoff with.
  • Design — the modality decision tree (Rise / Storyline / code / blended / job aid), plus scenario and assessment starter structures.
  • Build — the pre-build / build / polish cadence, including what AI can scaffold and what it absolutely cannot.
  • Deliver — launch comms templates, manager one-pagers, pilot readout format.
  • Measure — a Kirkpatrick L1–L4 planning canvas mapped to xAPI statements, with the heuristic for when L3/L4 is actually attributable.

How to use it

Print the PDF. Take it into a kickoff. Cross out the parts that don’t apply to your project and write in the ones that do. The framework isn’t precious — the point is to make every phase a conscious choice, especially the evaluation one.

Who it’s for

Senior IDs and L&D leaders running small teams or solo functions, who want a repeatable way to defend design decisions to sponsors, SMEs, and their own future selves.

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